Bindi Irwin has to prove that her father, Steve Irwin, is dead to have her DWT contract accepted despite having her mother, Terri Irwin, who is her legal guardian, sign the documents. The story has sparked a debate with many saying that the judge is causing Bindi unnecessary grief by asking for proof while others say he is just abiding by the law.
Bindi Irwin, who lost her famous father, Steve Irwin, in 2006 has to prove legally that he died for her Dancing with the Stars contract to be validated despite having her mother, Terri Irwin, sign the proper documents. As a minor, Bindi Irwin can not directly access the almost $230,000, she could earn from Dancing with the Stars.
While her mom, Terri Irwin, has signed all required documents stating that the 17-year-old can keep the money she earns – an L.A. Superior Court judge is saying, not so fast. The judge has requested that the Irwin family show proof that Steve Irwin is really dead. Some are saying that the judge presiding over the case believes in conspiracy theories a la Elvis Presley or Tupac Shakur. According to TMZ:
Here’s the rub. For some reason the judge wants the same release from Bindi’s dad, the late Steve Irwin. The judge said without proof of Steve giving up his rights to Bindi’s money, “the court is unable to find that it is in the best interest of the minor to be bound by the terms of the contract.”
It is unclear whether the family can just submit Steve Irwin’s death certificate to resolve the matter. On September 4, 2006, Irwin, a beloved Australian wildlife expert and television personality, who appeared in the hit series, The Crocodile Hunter, died after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming an underwater documentary. An 8-year-old Bindi Irwin eulogized Steve Irwin with the following touching words where she promised to keep his memory alive by following in his footsteps. She said:
“He listened to me and taught me so many things but most of all he was fun. I know that Daddy had an important job. He was working to change the world so everyone would love wildlife like he did. He built a hospital to help animals and he bought lots of land to give animals a safe place to live. He took me and my brother and my mum with him all the time. We filmed together, caught crocodiles together and loved being in the bush together.”
She added:
“I don’t want Daddy’s passion to ever end. I want to help endangered wildlife just like he did. I have the best Daddy in the whole world and I will miss him every day. When I see a crocodile I will always think of him and I know that Daddy made this zoo so everyone could come and learn to love all the animals. Daddy made this place his whole life and now it’s our turn to help Daddy.”
Bindi Irwin, who is dancing with Derek Hough, is guaranteed $125,000, plus between $10,000 and $50,000 for each two weeks she remains in the competition. Many are blasting the judge by saying:
This judge is either stupid or has been living in the closet for the last 10 years. he should be removed from the bench, the whole world knows Steve passed away.
While few are defending him:
This is a superior court judge abiding by the law.he is not just pulling this law out of his a$$.
What are your thoughts on the Bindi Irwin story?
